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Joint Ventures and Other Equity Method Affiliates - Summarized Financial Information for AZLP (Detail) (AstraZeneca LP [Member], USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
AstraZeneca LP [Member]
      
Equity Income from Affiliates [Line Items]      
Sales $ 4,611 $ 4,694 $ 4,659
Materials and production costs 2,222 2,177 2,023
Other expense, net 1,175 1,312 1,392
Income before taxes 1,214 [1] 1,205 [1] 1,244 [1]
Current assets 4,832 3,662  
Noncurrent assets 182 206  
Current liabilities $ 3,958 $ 3,145  
[1] Merck’s partnership returns from AZLP are generally contractually determined as noted above and are not based on a percentage of income from AZLP, other than with respect to Merck’s 1% limited partnership interest.